Winter Comfort Food to Create a Festive Mood at Home

It’s officially “jingle bells time”, a perfect moment to cruise through the grocery store and grab yourself something special for jolly dinners with your family. With so much winter comfort food to create a festive mood at home, the minds of excited people are on creating warmth for their cold, frosty days. 

Many of us might indulge in high-calorie treats while watching fresh winter comedies, or rewatching “Home Alone” for the hundredth time. Even though leaving some space for indulgence is normal, you still need to fill most of your plate with nutritious food. 

If you’re searching for something simple, with a dash of Christmas spirit and nutrient-rich density, you’ve come to the right article. Here you’ll read about easy winter meals to celebrate holidays or simply jazz up chilly days. 

How to Make Winter More Enjoyable

I’ll say something that may bum you out (or not) – mood changes in winter are natural – you’re exposed to several fewer hours of daylight, which can dramatically impact your mood and energy levels. 

Obviously, many people want to skip this period to jump to longer, warmer days. But does it mean you can’t enjoy winter? 

No. You can enjoy this season. How? By changing the way you think about it and inducing some relaxing rituals. 

Focus on the Things You Love About Winter

Let’s face it, talking trash about winter and complaining about bone-chilling, howling days won’t do the business for you. The effect will be negative and you’ll dive deeper into the winter-loathing thoughts, which stave off any happiness. 

Instead, acknowledge and accept those feelings, swapping them for the benefits of this season. One study found that a positive mindset about winter may be linked to a greater life satisfaction (1).

Think about what’s special and better about winter: 

• How pretty the city gets when it snows
• New holidays are arriving
• The air smells crisp
• More free days from work due to the holiday season
• Shops and cafes are decorated dazzlingly

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Do Things to Create a Truly Winter Vibe

Different traditions, rituals, and behaviors can help you appreciate the true essence of winter. You don’t have to make yourself fall in love with this season, but you can make it more enjoyable by doing things that actually lift up your spirits. 

For example, looking forward to seasonal festivities – such as decorating, playing Christmas music, hosting gatherings, or cooking easy winter meals – may help create better relationships with winter.

Allow yourself to do things that help you stay in harmony with yourself in this season: 

• Watch comfort movies in bed
• Get into cooking hearty meals – your healthy soul food to amaze yourself and your loved ones
• Sit by the fireplace (if you have one)
• Light candles to eat dinner by candlelight
• Play with your pets outside (if it’s snowy)
• Take up winter sports, such as skating or skiing, or watch how people do it in the center of the city (an awesome date idea)
• Have a cozy chat with your friend or partner while drinking a cappuccino or hot chocolate with marshmallows
• Dance to Christmas music at home by yourself or with someone you feel comfortable with
• Go outside for a walk in the evening to enjoy the fairy lights on buildings and Christmas trees
• Ask someone out on a date – it’s quite exciting during the holiday season
• Travel to another city/country to experience jubilant Christmas markets

Note: Bundle up when you go out – if you’re not warmly dressed, it’s easier to feel like winter is limiting your life. 

What Food Puts You in a Good Mood During Winter?

Your mood food, or so-called winter comfort food, includes meals that are:

1. Easy to cook
2. Truly delicious to you
3. Nourishing enough

Shake off the winter blues with this list of foods to nourish and satisfy (2): 

• Fish: As a source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fish may boost your mood by increasing your brain’s production of serotonin. For example, salmon is also loaded with vitamin D, which is particularly important in wintertime as our bodies are exposed to less sun.
• Fresh fruits: You also need vitamin C to stay healthy in winter – eating citrus and other fruits can do the job for you. Great options include kiwis (don’t peel them, eat with the skin to get more fiber), oranges, bananas, limes, persimmons, and pomegranates.
• Leafy green vegetables: such greens as spinach, kale, and chard are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which promote stress regulation. Plus, leafy greens are a source of folate, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and memory loss.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are an awesome source of fiber. Ensure your plate contains vegetables in every food serving. Vegetables are good for your mood, too. For example, mushrooms contain B vitamins such as niacin and riboflavin, which may help improve your mood.
• Nuts: We need magnesium to feel energetic and good about ourselves overall. A lack of magnesium leads to fatigue, mood changes, insomnia, and so on. Snack on plain nuts or add them to your salads to get enough magnesium. 
• Dark Chocolate: A fresh study found that eating high-cocoa chocolate reduces stress (3). This season is the best time to devour hot cocoa during cold winter days. 
• Protein-rich foods: Get your protein from chicken, eggs, beef, and turkey. These foods are connected to elevated dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which play a key role in mood regulation (4).

Read more: The Nordic Diet: A Simple Guide To Eating Well, The Nordic Way

What Are Some Winter Comfort Food Meals?

It’s time to bring out the best comfort food recipes for cold weather. I’ve chosen my favorite meals that will probably satisfy anyone who is looking for something warm and soothing. 

Easy Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Ingredients: 

Tomato Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 28-oz cans peeled tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk (or half and half/cream)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Optional toppings: parmesan cheese and more basil

Grilled Cheese

• 8 slices of sourdough bread
• 12 slices cheese of your choice
• 1/2 stick butter

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and allow to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss in the garlic. Cook for another minute.
2. Pour in the tomatoes, milk, and broth – start stirring to combine. Then add the basil, salt, honey, pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper. Stir again. 
3. Boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
4. Using a blender, carefully blend all the soup ingredients until smooth. Pour back into the soup pot. Serve!
5. For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each slice of bread.
6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Put 3 slices of cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Position it in the skillet, butter side down, and cover with a lid. Cook for about 2 minutes.
7. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up, and cover again. Cook for 2 more minutes.
8. Flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it becomes golden brown on both sides.
9. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.
10.  Serve. 

Nutritional values per serving (yields 8 servings): 

Calories: 710; Fats: 30 grams; Protein: 26.9 grams; Carbs: 86.2 grams (5).

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 recipe homemade pie dough 
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon paste
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz frozen mixed veggies (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and simmer in water until just cooked. Chop into pieces and reserve 1¾ cups of the cooking liquid.
2. Sauté the onion, celery, and butter until soft. Stir in the salt, flour, pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, and bouillon. 
3. Add the milk gradually and the reserved liquid – cook until thickened. Stir in the chicken and frozen vegetables.
4. Roll out one crust in a pie pan, add the filling, then cover with the second crust. Make a few steam slits in the top.
5. Brush with egg wash. 
6. Bake the pie at 425°F for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Nutritional values per serving (yields 8 servings): 

Calories: 431; Fats: 24 grams; Protein: 19 grams; Carbs: 35 grams; Fiber: 3 grams (6).

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Baked Apples with Cinnamon

Ingredients:

• 4 apples
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Core each apple, creating a deep well for the filling.
3. Mix the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nuts in a small bowl. Stuff each apple with this mixture.
4. Pour the water into a baking dish and set the apples inside.
5. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are fork‑tender.
6. Let cool slightly, spoon any pan juices over the apples, and serve warm. 

Nutritional values per serving (yields 4 servings): 

Calories: 246; Fats: 11 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Carbs: 40 grams; Fiber: 5 grams (7).

HomeMade Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

• 250 ml any milk 
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1-2 tbsp soft light brown sugar
• 25 g dark or plain chocolate, finely chopped (plus extra to grate on top)
• 1 tbsp whipped cream to finish

Instructions: 

1. Heat the milk with the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and chopped chocolate over medium heat until it’s hot, and the chocolate completely melts. 
2. Mix everything smoothly.
3. Pour the drink into a mug, top with a dollop of cream, and grate a little extra chocolate over the top.

Calories: 438; Fats: 22 grams; Protein: 12 grams; Carbs: 47 grams; Fiber: 2 grams (8).

Note: if you’re on a diet (keto, for example), there’s a great choice of options for you as well. Keto comfort foods will complement your grey winter days with rich taste and pleasant nourishment. 

What Are Some Good Sides for Comfort Food?

There are many good sides that can add variety to your winter recipes. 

Potato-Based

• Mashed potatoes 
• Potato gratin or scalloped potatoes
• Roasted or baked potatoes
• French fries or sweet potato fries

Vegetables and Greens

• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, squash)
• Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
• Glazed carrots or sautéed Brussels sprouts
• Baked beans

Breads and Grains

• Dinner rolls or crusty bread
• Cornbread or savory muffins
• Rice pilaf or buttery noodles
• Veggie mac and cheese

Light and Fresh

• Simple green salad with olive oil
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber and tomato salad with nuts and seeds
• Pickled vegetables

Why Do I Crave Junk Food in Winter?

Are you craving junk food in winter? You’re not alone, and there are actual reasons for this. 

Firstly, during colder times, our bodies require more calories to keep warm. Evidently, chips, cookies, and other junk treats seem irresistible. Shorter days and less sunlight affect your serotonin levels, which pushes you to reach out for comfort, calorie-dense foods to quickly boost your mood. The School of Public Health suggests that during cold weather, people witness a drop in serotonin, which leads to increased hunger and decreased satiety (9). 

In addition, when it’s cold outside, we tend to spend more time indoors, lying in bed, watching films, and… snacking. Add holidays and family gatherings where food is another center of attention – chocolates, pies, and other junk festive treats are inevitable additions to any table. 

Another study suggested that eating high-energy foods and sugar may decrease mood disturbances (10), which makes particular sense during chilly winter days.  Does it mean you need to switch to a “Breaking Bad” mode in winter? 

No. In fact, it’s possible to control yourself, or at least make slight changes to consume more nutritious foods and fewer high-calorie treats. 

Read more: Customizable Meal Plan: Your Personalized Eating Guide

How to Control Your Hunger in Winter

Controlling your hunger in winter may sound like a tough task, but in reality, it requires a few essential actions. 

1. Enjoy healthy protein/fiber-rich foods. High-nutrient meals can fuel your body, help you stay satiated longer, and reduce cravings. 
2. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, helps curb your appetite. In addition, your hunger may sometimes be confused with thirst. 
3. Get enough movement. Physical activity boosts your mood by reducing stress. It also amps up your energy levels and enhances concentration (11).

Generally, planning some of your winter days manifests better food choices and mood. If you’re active, you often switch your attention to something engaging, which minimizes thoughts of food.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the most popular food in winter?

Hearty, warming meals such as casseroles or soups are the most popular in winter. For dessert, people prefer hot chocolate or homemade apple cider. Such treats provide warmth and comfort during frosty seasons. 

• What are some popular comfort foods?

Comfort foods will depend on each person. Generally, these are foods that leave you satisfied and relaxed. Some options include soups, chicken pot pie, lasagna, bread-based dishes, and chocolate desserts. 

• What is a good snack for a cold?

Great snacks for a cold could be fruits that are rich in vitamin C, avocado sandwiches, soups, herbal teas, and salads with vegetables and nuts. You should make sure you’re getting enough protein, vitamins and minerals, and plenty of fluids. 

• What is a winter craving?

Winter cravings usually entail strong desires for high-calorie, sweet, or fatty meals during cold months. They often stem from the body seeking both warmth and energy. 

The Bottom Line

This article gave you three recipes for winter comfort food to create a festive mood at home. In addition to cooking hearty meals during cold days, you can tackle this jolly season with hobbies, meetups with loved ones, and outdoor activities. 

Change your attitude to winter, mining the positive aspects of it. Once you do it, this season will no longer be simply bearable, but truly magical.